Former US Army sergeant released from prison after Texas Gov. Abbott pardons him for 2020 fatal Black Lives Matter protest shooting; Ohio gears up for legal marijuana sales for adult use; Winnebago Tribe apprenticeships prepare students, build workforce; New FERC rule helps Virginia upgrade transmission infrastructure.

4 dead as severe storms hit Houston, TX; Election Protection Program eases access to voting information; surge in solar installations eases energy costs for Missourians; IN makes a splash for Safe Boating Week.

Cohen back on the hot seat in NY Trump trial; GOP threatens rural Republicans for school voucher opposition; mushrooms can help prevent mega-wildfires; Many outdoor events planned in CA for Endangered Species Day.

Evacuations underway after barge slammed into Pelican Island bridge in Galveston, causing oil spill; Regional program helps Chicago-area communities become 'EV Ready'; MI leaders mark progress in removing lead water lines; First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in Mississippi and beyond.

Biden offers to debate Trump twice; AZ veterans support open primaries initiative; Survey: NYC needs to do more for growing migrant population; Red wolf pups signal hope for endangered species in NC.

Trump's defense will have Michael Cohen back on the stand today for cross-examination; Poll: Montana battleground voters are 'economic populists'; Empowering Cincinnati, a Bloomberg grant fuels climate and equity initiatives; Pick up a hammer? MN apprentices say, 'Why not?'

Pivotal witness in Trump hush money trial called to witness stand; Wisconsin Supreme Court hears arguments in high-profile ballot dropbox case; and a new Indiana law stirs debate over academic freedom, teacher training.

Protests at college campuses in the U.S. begin to fade as graduations are held, but support organizations continue to guide students; New data from Ohio State University researchers show nearly 1 in 5 older adults are not prepared for emergencies; a new study finds the flame retardants used in the seats of many cars emit toxic gases.

Louisiana teachers worry about state constitution changes. Ohio experts support a $15 minimum wage for 1 million people. An Illinois mother seeks passage of a medical aid-in-dying bill. And Mississippi advocates push for restored voting rights for people with felony convictions.

US postal workers help out with the nation's largest one-day food drive. A union coalition in California advocates for worker rights amidst climate challenges. Livestock waste is polluting 'Pure Michigan' state image. And Virginia farm workers receive updated heat protection guidelines.